The Story of Baba Mboga &
Green Economy Kenya

Jeremiah NyamWanda, popularly known as "Baba mBoga" or the "Father of Vegetables," is a beacon of resilience, dedication, and innovation hailing from Homa Bay, Kenya. At the age of 57, Jeremiah’s life is a testament to triumph over adversity, capturing an inspirational journey that spans a military career, the entertainment industry, and a successful foray into sustainable agriculture. Today, Jeremiah stands as an integral part of an initiative that's transforming the landscape and lives of many in Kenya's mining community.

Born into humble beginnings, Jeremiah’s life took a turn in 2018 when he crossed paths with Farmers of Gold, a community based organization for artisanal and small-scale gold miners. Then, he had little to his name and was struggling to make ends meet. However, his humble request to clear the trees at Farmers of Gold's new demonstration site in Lolgorian, Kenya, turned into an opportunity that would change his life and the lives of many others.

Demonstrating an unwavering commitment and an unparalleled work ethic, Jeremiah not only completed the task at hand but was also hired full-time. He utilized every opportunity that came his way and, with a diploma in agriculture under his belt, he soon embarked on an ambitious venture called Green Economy.

Green Economy, a land reclamation initiative established in partnership with Farmers of Gold in late 2018, involved turning mining areas into productive lands. Jeremiah led this remarkable initiative, reclaiming lands and planting tree nurseries primarily comprising eucalyptus grandes. With over a million tree seedlings planted since inception, Jeremiah's Green Economy has changed the face of former mining areas in western Kenya.

His venture also extends to agricultural activities, with three farms cultivating a variety of crops including coconuts, groundnuts, kale, beans, maize, sunflower, cassava root, millet, sugarcane, and avocados. Notably, his journey to becoming a successful farmer gave him the moniker "Baba mBoga," as locals observed him carry sacks of kale from his farms to the market.

Jeremiah's life is marked by a profound sense of community spirit. With the Green Economy, he has provided employment for up to 10 workers and presented farming as a sustainable alternative to mining. Today, he runs a tree nursery with two million seedlings growing in Homa Bay and is considered a role model for the younger generation.

Despite his accomplishments, Jeremiah remains a humble and approachable figure, known for his wonderful sense of humor and his golden touch in farming. As an elder in his community, he sets an admirable example of resilience, entrepreneurship, and environmental stewardship. His story serves as one of the favorite success stories of the Artisanal Mining Advocates founders, making him a personal friend and mentor to many.

For anyone seeking land reclamation or agricultural tips, Jeremiah's expertise is invaluable. His work with the Green Economy offers practical solutions for sustainable land use and illustrates how personal initiative can make a significant impact on local communities and the environment.

From an anonymous individual to an influential figure in sustainable farming and land reclamation, Jeremiah NyamWanda's story is one of determination, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to his community. His journey is a shining example of the potential inherent in every struggle and stands as a beacon of hope for those seeking to change their lives and their environments for the better.